DVD Releases For August 25, 2008

Gear up for the upcoming third season premiere of NBC's HEROES with Blu-ray releases of the first two seasons, plus the Collector's Edition of NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, a new LITTLE MERMAID adventure and more, all on DVD and Blu-ray today.

HEROES: Season Two On DVD And Blu-ray

Rejoin the epic phenomenon as HEROES: Season Two arrives on DVD and Blu-ray from Universal Studios Home Ent.; vfx from Stargate Digital.

Watch the Emmy-nominated show and experience all the new and exciting twists of the astonishing series in this four-disc set that includes every gripping season two episode. Plus, see what could have been with exclusive bonus features that reveal the untold stories that never aired and an alternate ending to the season finale where the fate of humanity takes an ominous turn.

Replacing first-season Supervisor Mark Kolpack is his Stargate Digital colleague Eric Grenaudier, who is no stranger to the show having worked as a compositor on its first season. "Obviously having already spent a year with HEROES, you learn some subtle things like the styles the producers are looking for and the type of effects that seem to be working well for them and for the audience, so you build on this," he said.

Grenaudier adds that Stargate has worked on upgrading the show's obvious effects as well as its more subtle ones. "We've improved simple things like how to light a really big greenscreen, what tweaks we could do to the matte painting later," he explained.

Season three of HEROES will debut with a three-hour premiere September 22 on NBC.

DVD Special Features Include:

--"Generations" Alternate Ending--Inside The Alternate Ending Of "Generations" -- What if Peter didn't catch the virus?--Untold Stories -- Gripping untold stories that never aired before--Season 3 Sneak Peek -- A behind-the-scenes look at the making of the third season premiere episode.--Deleted Scenes--HEROES Season 2 "A New Beginning" -- Tim Kring introduces us to the theme of "extraordinary people trying to live normal lives." We go behind the scenes with the cast and crew to see what it's like coming back to a hit show and we also meet new Heroes as they share anecdotes about filming the second season.

--U-ControlPicture In Picture Cast and Crew Commentaries:--"Four Months Later" with Creator/Executive Producer Tim Kring, Co-Executive Producer Jeph Loeb and actor Jack Coleman--"Lizards" with Executive Producer Allan Arkush, actor Greg Grunberg and Co-Executive Producer Michael Green--"Kindred" with episode Director Paul Edwards, Co-Executive Producer J.J. Philbin and actor Zachary Quinto--"The Kindness of Strangers" with Creator/Executive Producer Tim Kring and actors Dana Davis and Adrian Pasdar.--"Fight or Flight" with actor Greg Grunberg and Executive Producer Greg Beeman.--"The Line" with Co-Executive Producers Adam Armus and Kay Foster and actor Jack Coleman.--"Out of Time" with episode Director Daniel Attias and actor Masi Oka--"Four Months Ago ..." with actor Milo Ventimiglia and Executive Producer Greg Beeman.--"Cautionary Tales" with episode Director Greg Yaitanes and actors Kristen Bell and Ashley Crow.--"Truth & Consequences" with episode director Adam Kane and actor Stephen Tobolowsky.--"Powerless" with Executive Producer Allan Arkush and composers Lisa Coleman and Wendy Melvoin.--Hero Connections -- Bios and Network.--HEROES Season 2 "A New Beginning" -- Tim Kring introduces us to the theme of "extraordinary people trying to live normal lives." We go behind the scenes with the cast and crew to see what it's like coming back to a hit show and we also meet new Heroes as they share anecdotes about filming the second season.--Takezo Kensei: Sword Saint--Genetics Of A Scene--Maya And Alejandro Run From The Police -- With an interview with Executive Producer/Director Greg Beeman.--The Anatomy Of The Cherry Blossom/Swordfight Scenes -- With an interview with Executive Producer/Director Allan Arkush.--Exploding Man -- With an interview with Executive Producer/Director Greg Beeman.--The Loft -- With an interview with Executive Producer/Director Allan Arkush--The Drucker Files--Tim Sale--"Generations" Alternate Ending--Inside The Alternate Ending Of "Generations" -- What if Peter didn't catch the virus?--Untold Stories--Deleted ScenesNBC.com Featurettes:--Hotel Corinthian Explosion--Maya Y Alejandro Viral Video--Nathan and Peter Brooklyn Cam

HEROES: Season One On Blu-ray

Discover the phenomenon that is sweeping audiences everywhere as HEROES: Season One comes to Blu-ray from Universal Studios Home Ent. Experience the suspense, mystery, and electrifying twists as this astonishing series follows seemingly unconnected, ordinary people around the globe who discover they have extraordinary powers. As they come to terms with their unique abilities, their risky decisions will affect the futures of everyone around them, and the world. Join their epic journey in this five-disc set packed with hours of fascinating and revealing bonus features, including the never-before-aired series premiere from show creator Tim Kring.

"The idea is, what if you could do something mindblowing, and how would you deal with that in your life," said Mark Kolpack, vfx supervisor.

The vfx, created by Stargate Digital, are not front and center, but rather subtle, part and parcel of the show, he adds. "It's done in a way that's not about making it like a comic. The show isn't like a comic book, but it's visually inspired by that kind of look. We want to catch the viewer by surprise, just as the character is caught by surprise."

TIM BURTON'S THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS: COLLECTOR'S EDITION On DVD And Blu-ray

Academy Award nominated writer and producer Tim Burton's (CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, CORPSE BRIDE) THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS: COLLECTOR'S EDITION returns in a deeper, darker and more brilliant digitally-restored masterpiece -- as Tim Burton originally envisioned -- in a first time Collector's Edition DVD and Blu-ray Hi-Def Disc Box Set.

NIGHTMARE fans will be able to see of all new bonus features made solely for this special release. Highlights include a Tim Burton poem narrated by Christopher Lee (the LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY), a private backstage tour of how Disneyland tricks-out their HAUNTED MANSION ride for Christmas, and an all-new introduction to the movie by Tim Burton which is exclusive to the Blu-ray.

Disney is adding a special "DisneyFile" Digital Copy of the movie -- enabling DVD and Blu-ray owners to receive a digital version of THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS in their choice of iTunes or Windows Media formats. DisneyFile Digital Copy is a fast and easy way to enjoy your favorite Disney movies, anytime, anywhere on a Mac, PC and/or compatible portable device.

TIM BURTON'S THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS: COLLECTOR'S EDITION is an inspired fable that cleverly mixes Halloween and Christmas for an eerily unexpected holiday celebration. The film combines stop-motion animation with three-dimensional sets and graphics to create an original movie experience. With a Grammy-nominated soundtrack by Oscar-nominee Danny Elfman (CORPSE BRIDE, THE SIMPSONS), TIM BURTON'S THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS: COLLECTOR'S EDITION is a modern holiday classic.

Bored with his perennial role as Halloween Town's frightening Pumpkin King, Jack Skellingtonwanders off and discovers the cheerful village of Christmas Town. Determined to shake things up in Halloween Town, he enlists the help of some mischievous trick-or-treaters to kidnap Santa Claus and takes over the job of delivering gifts to the children of the world himself. When his plan goes awry, Jack attempts to restore Santa to his rightful place. But first, he must rescue St. Nick from the clutches of the evil Oogie Boogie

Director of NIGHTMARE and upcoming animated feature CORALINE Henry Selick told AWN, "It's nice [watching the Blu-ray]. It's the latest medium and looks pretty good for modern TVs to show it off. They did a post 3-D process that I originally thought was a horrible idea, but they pulled it off beautifully. It's a limited thing, which is great -- they didn't try to make it gimmicky...It's timeless, very rich with a strong heart and something you can go back to again and again [which we're striving for with CORALINE]. But it'll never look better than the master print struck directly off the negative 15 years ago when it first came out."

DVD Bonus Features Include:

--What's This? Jack's Haunted Mansion Holiday Tour -- Viewers choose the way they want to tour Disneyland's Holiday Haunted Mansion. "On Track" explores a tricked-out version of the Haunted Mansion, while "Off Track" reveals what went into creating all the creepy fun. (New)--Tim Burton's original poem narrated by Christopher Lee -- Tim Burton's poem that inspired the creation of the movie. Now, the original verse comes to creepy life as performed by actor Christopher Lee. (New)--Film Commentary by producer and writer Tim Burton, director Henry Selick and composer Danny Elfman. (New)--Introduction To FRANKENWEENIE -- A new un-cut version introduction by Tim Burton. (New)--"The Making of TIM BURTON'S THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS" -- Go behind the scenes of the very first full-length stop motion animated movie with the filmmakers.--"The Worlds of TIM BURTON'S THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS" -- Witness the creation of the film's richly imagined dreamscapes, including Halloween Town, Christmas Town and the Real World.--Deleted Scenes--Storyboard to Film Comparison--Original Theatrical Trailers and Posters--Tim Burton's Short Film VINCENT

THE LITTLE MERMAID: ARIEL'S BEGINNING On DVD

Walt Disney Studios Home Ent. invites you to dive deep into the secrets of the early years of one of Disney's most beloved princesses when THE LITTLE MERMAID: ARIEL'S BEGINNING, a spectacular new full-length movie, comes exclusively to DVD. THE LITTLE MERMAID: ARIEL'S BEGINNING reveals an all-new, spellbinding chapter of the funloving and mischievous mermaid's amazing oceanic adventures. More of the dazzling animation and memorable music that made THE LITTLE MERMAID one of the most celebrated films of its kind will transport viewers into the magical kingdom of Atlantica at the start of the greatest undersea story ever told.

With a treasure trove of new bonus features, THE LITTLE MERMAID: ARIEL'S BEGINNING continues the legacy of the film that launched an extraordinary new era in animation and won over generations of filmgoers.

This music-filled prequel once again features the voice talents of Jodi Benson and Samuel E. Wright, reprising their legendary roles as Ariel and Sebastian. The film pits a wonderfully wicked new villainess, Marina Del Rey against Ariel and her plucky pals in an unforgettable aquatic adventure. Available for a limited time only, THE LITTLE MERMAID: ARIEL'S BEGINNING is sure to capture the hearts of viewers of all ages.

Imagine a time long before Ariel met Prince Eric and walked on land -- a time when music was banned from the underwater kingdom of Atlantica. Torn between family duty and her love of music, Ariel must make the most difficult choice of her life. With the help of her friends, Sebastian and Flounder and her six amusing sisters, will the young mermaid be able to restore music, friendship and love to the kingdom?

Bonus Features Include:

--Teaching Mermaids to Dance -- Before making her directing debut with THE LITTLE MERMAID: ARIEL'S BEGINNING, Peggy Holmes was a sought after choreographer. Go behind the scenes and watch as she uses her background in dance to create a totally unique animation experience.--DISNEY SONG SELECTION -- When this fun interactive option is turned on, the words to the songs appear on the screen allowing viewers to sing along with the film.--World Wide Water Webb -- Merconnect (wwww.merconnect.sea) -- Fans can now visit the dedicated web pages of Ariel and her sisters. Each of Triton's seven lovely daughters has her own page, where she posts personal information, gets to know new friends and keeps her own personal blog.--THE LITTLE MERMAID: The Broadway Musical -- A look behind the scenes of hit Broadway musical from Disney Theatrical productions.--Deleted Scenes

SON OF RAMBOW On DVD

In SON OF RAMBOW, now on DVD from Paramount Home Ent., two preteen boys watch a pirated copy of the Sylvester Stallone film RAMBO: FIRST BLOOD and decide to make their own camcorder action-epic -- stunts and all. One of the boys is from a puritanical family, and he uses the pages of a Bible to scribble his moviemaking fantasies -- an idea that sparked illustrator/animator David O'Reilly's own response to Garth Jennings' script.

"I was originally just asked to do the CG," O'Reilly recalled. "But I sent back the printed script with loads of drawings and flipbooks over the text. Garth liked them so much I got the job doing the actual props in the film. I was given free rein over the content of the drawings; Garth was remarkably open about it all. We didn't have the five-hour meetings you get at big studios. It was more like 'Hey Garth, I have this idea,' and his response was 'Great! Do it!'"

It all begins in 1980s Britain, when young Will Proudfoot, raised in isolation among The Brethren, a group which strictly forbids music and TV, encounters something beyond his wildest fantasies: a pirated copy of RAMBO: FIRST BLOOD. His virgin viewing of the iconic thriller blows his mind -- and rapidly expanding imagination -- wide open. Now, Will sets out to join forces with the seemingly diabolical school bully, Lee Carter, to make their own action epic, devising wildly creative, on-the-fly stunts, not to mention equally elaborate schemes for creating a movie of total commitment and non-stop thrills while hiding out from The Brethren. But when school popularity finally descends on Will and Lee in the form of, oui, the super-cool French exchange student, Didier Revol, their remarkable new friendship and precious film are pushed, quite literally, to the breaking point.

Special Features Include:

--Commentary with Director Garth Jennings, Producer Nick Goldsmith, Bill Milner and Will Poulter--Interviews with Jessica Hynes (nee Stevenson), Bill Milner and Will PoulterFeaturettes:--Competition Winner Footage--Garth's short film--Boys Will be Boys: The Making of SON OF RAMBOW

CHICAGO 10 On DVD

From Brett Morgen, director of THE KID STAYS IN THE PICTURE, comes a highly-stylized and original documentary film from Paramount Home Ent., chronicling the real-life events surrounding the anti-war protest of the 1968 Democratic National Convention held in Chicago and the charismatic protest organizers brought to trial by the city. Told through a visually-arresting animation style and a bold use of archival footage and music, CHICAGO 10 channels yesterday's voices for peace in a manner that speaks peace for today.

Morgen was in his mother's womb back then, and "she was apolitical," says the filmmaker. It was the similarities -- and differences -- between the Vietnam and Iraq conflicts that drove him to create CHICAGO 10, his mixed-media look back at the cultural collision that took place on that city's streets and in one of its courtrooms.

"We were about to invade Afghanistan and no one was taking to the streets," Morgen recalled. "I thought it was time to look back at the '60s and what it meant to take a stand against the government." Rather than splicing together news footage and interviews with the surviving participants, Morgen wanted to create a "you are there" experience for young audiences whose presidential memories begin with Ronald Reagan.

BROTHERHOOD OF THE WOLF -- Director's Cut (Two-Disc Special Edition) On DVD

BROTHERHOOD OF THE WOLF is now available as an all-new Two-Disc Director's Cut from Universal Studios Home Ent; vfx by Jim Henson's Creature Shop.

Now, experience more of the breathtaking action and incredible suspense in an extended version of the film featuring high-flying martial arts excitement. Loaded with four hours of bonus features including an in-depth documentary, deleted scenes and storyboards, BROTHERHOOD OF THE WOLF Two-Disc Director's Cut" is a dangerous, thrilling mystery of chilling proportions.

When a mysterious beast ravages the countryside, two unlikely heroes are called in to fight the evil. And now, their battle against dark, unspeakable terror is even more gripping with a daring extended version of the film that showcases more of the breathtaking martial arts action

Bonus Features Include:

--Deleted Scenes: Watch 40 minutes of additional footage from the film.--Making Of BROTHERHOOD OF THE WOLF: The Guts Of The Beast: Explore the creation of the movie from its unlikely genesis to the fight scenes and digital effects.--Documentary: Go on-location with the cast and crew as they deal with everything from fight choreography to costume decisions and weather challenges.--The Legend: Uncover the chilling historical facts behind the legend of the vicious Gevaudan Beast.--Storyboards: See extensive storyboard galleries from some of the film's most memorable scenes.--Theatrical Trailer

BOB THE BUILDER On Site: Houses & Playgrounds On DVD

Available now on DVD, Bob the Builder introduces future builders to the wonderful world of construction in BOB THE BUILDER On Site: Houses & Playgrounds, an all-new DVD Special from Lionsgate and HIT Ent. This live-action and animated DVD is bigger and better than ever, including the fun BOB THE BUILDER animation kids love, paired with custom footage of houses and playgrounds under construction featuring real dirt movers, construction workers and on-site building.

Bob the Builder knows what it takes to build a hardy house and a safe playground, and he wants to share his knowledge with you. Combining vivid animation with live-action footage of real construction equipment in action, Bob and his Can-Do Crew break down the building process into engaging, easy-to-follow segments demonstrating teamwork, safety and the role of each machine.

Future contractors learn about making a detailed plan, what materials to use and the different kinds of homes and playgrounds, including the three stages of building a house: foundation, walls and a roof, and the three stages of building a playground: equipment, surface and fencing. See recycled tires, old tin cans and solar panels used to make houses environmentally friendly, and revel in giant machines demolishing old houses to build new ones. From demolition to framing to roofing, young builders experience the thrilling and exciting world of building construction. Also, you can sing along with the catchy "How Do You Build a House" and see how a skate park is built complete with ramps, slopes, dips and lots of turns.

A new season of BOB THE BUILDER -- Project Build It will air in September on PBS KIDS, where Bob's building adventures continue in Bobland Bay.

DVD Special Features Include:

--Bonus episode of FIREMAN SAM -- "Birthday Surprise"

THE CARE BEARS: Care-A-Lot Collection On DVD

THE CARE BEARS: Care-A-Lot Collection two-DVD set from DIC Ent. and Twentieth Century Fox Home Ent. includes 22 of the most winsome episodes featuring the sharing and caring Care Bears and all their friends. Children who meet the Care Bears from Care-A-Lot -- their city in the clouds -- are lucky indeed.

Smart, cuddly Care Bears embark on many adventures as they help children accept a new babysitter, improve at sports, deal with braces or make new friends. And sometimes Care Bears face challenges of their own -- like saving Care-A-Lot from a hungry Cloud Worm or stopping Professor Coldheart before he ruins the Forest of Feelings. Whatever's happening, the Care Bears spread joy everywhere.

This special collection's edition comes packaged with a activity booklet filled with fun activities and games.

ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: TRICK OR TREASON On DVD

From Paramount Home Ent. comes some Halloween fun from Alvin and the Chipmunks. Scare up some monstrously funny adventures with this Halloween-themed animated delight starring Alvin and the Chipmunks.

FUNKY TOWN Volumes One And Two On DVD

Following in the foot prints -- make that hoof prints -- of FUNKY VALLEY, FUNKY TOWN, Volumes One and Two gallop onto DVD for the first time from PorchLight Home Ent..

In FUNKY TOWN, for ages 2-5, two friends from Funky Valley, Clara the chicken and accident-prone Dippy the Cow, have left the farm and traveled to the city where they now run a laid-back milk bar. While Clara runs the business, Dippy attempts to deliver milk on the milk float, though it's a mystery why Clara allows her clumsy friend to do it.